The Ottawa Senators made a little, big move today. Having no goalie available in the organization with more than say, three years of tangible NHL experience, they changed that. Today, they announced James Reimer signs a standard, NHL player contract. It is a pro-rated $850K deal for the remainder of 2025-26. This is a solid move by Ottawa. Let’s find out the very latest from the Canadian National City, Ottawa, Ontario, home of the Senators.
James Reimer signs a one-year, one-way deal with #sens worth a pro-rated $850,000
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) January 12, 2026
Reimer Signs, Let’s Breaking It Down, Next
With their number one goalie away from the club on a leave of absence, the Sens needed to be proactive. Signing Reimer, although lacking star power, was a very low-risk move, by the always accountable Ottawa Senators general manager Steve Staios.
James Reimer & his recent history as a goalie:
– has not played any NHL games this season
– played last night (Jan 11th) for Belleville vs Rochester (22/28, 6.05 GAA, 0.786 save %)
– played two games for Canada at the 2025 Spengler Cup (2.54 GAA, 0.919 save %)
– played 24 NHL…— Claire Hanna (@clahanna) January 12, 2026
This is, in some sense a band-aid solution for the Sens. But, even in his more recent seasons, Reimer has shown he can post very solid numbers. Therefore, what is intended as a temporary fix, could still turn into a season-saving move by GM Staios.
Reimer hasn’t played much in 2025-26, thus far. But, there is a chance that could change, in a big way. Reimer appeared for a couple games with Team Canada at the Spengler Cup. In addition, he played for the AHL’s Belleville Senators over the past weekend. Conversely, let’s be honest, Reimer wasn’t brought in for his season to this point. Reimer comes in with plenty of NHL experience, 13 times playing 25-or-more games in a season. Five times he played 40-or-more. That’s the level that Ullmark has been at during his peak.
His Stats
Reimer has played 525 career regular season NHL games. In that time, he owns a 225-187-65 record with 31 career shutouts. He holds a 2.89 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage throughout his time in the league, as well. According to hockey-reference, he carries a -9.1 career goals-saved above average. So, not necessarily ideal, despite some seemingly good stats overall. In contrast, if you scratch out a couple bad seasons.
A Mid-Season Review of the Ottawa Senators Goaltending Structure with Statistics
2022-23 in San Jose Sharks with a -19.2 GSAA, and his second year in the league, 2011-12 with the Toronto Maple Leafs, it was also bad. That year he had a -12.8 GSAA. Furthermore, that was followed by his career-best season, in 2012-13, with a 11.6 GSAA.
In more recent seasons, he has been a league-average statistical goaltender. His save percentage was between .890 and .904 in the last three years, appearing in between 24 and 43 games.
Things haven’t been great in Ottawa in 2025-26, for the guys wearing the pads. Ullmark is 14-8-5 and an .881 save percentage. Meanwhile, Leevi Merilainen has been put in many high-leverage situations, as a 23-year-old. He’s 6-10-0, sporting an .866 SV%. Something isn’t right defensively for Staios and side.
The Team
The Ottawa Senators came into 2025-26, with lofty expectations.
With key players like Thomas Chabot, Shane Pinto, Brady Tkachuk, and recently, the aforementioned Ullmark, having each missed time, it has had a significant impact on the club.
The other side of it, is Ottawa has been ‘analytically’ a strong team. They limit things like shots on goal and quality 5v5 chances. Hopefully, a recharge in net, and the Sens will Transform into the Autobots in front of Optimus Reim.
Main Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
NEWS RELEASE: #Sens agree to one-year contract with goaltender James Reimer: https://t.co/dO2X6iA7EG
COMMUNIQUÉ: Les #Sens accordent un contrat d’un an au gardien James Reimer: https://t.co/zFw4Op6WwY
— Sens Communications (@Media_Sens) January 12, 2026